The second cruise ship to dock on the Sapphire Coast in over two years will make its way from Brisbane to Eden this weekend.
Over 100 people on board the first Coral Princess cruise that arrived in Eden last month, tested positive to COVID-19.
Passengers were allowed to leave the ship, so long as they provided a negative Rapid Antigen Test before stepping off.
There were reports of some concern in the community following the arrival of the first cruise ship due to the COVID-19 cases on board but Cruise Eden Coordinator, Debbie Meers told East Coast Radio, she felt the community should not be concerned, even if there are cases of COVID on board the Coral Princess again.
“It was the media that was somewhat negative but when they interviewed people off the ship and also in the community everyone was extremely positive and the NSW Health and the Cruise Line’s protocols worked amazingly well,” Ms Meers said.
“I’m unaware of any cases (on board the Coral Princess arriving this weekend) and certainly there won’t be any concern because those protocols are working great and I think the community is very much protected.”
Ms Meers said it was exciting that cruise ships are coming back to the Sapphire Coast on a regular basis.
“The Coral Princess will come in on Sunday at 10am and she’ll have 1644 passengers on board, so a few more than last time and 900 Crew,” Ms Meers said.
“We expect it to be a fantastic day with passengers disembarking after two days at sea from Brisbane and they’ll head into town and enjoy everything that Eden’s got to offer,” she continued.
“We have a large number, about 200 people out on shore excursion tours throughout Eden and up to Merimbula.”
Image: Cruise Eden